Feasting on Deficit: Will Tongatapu 10 Candidates Bring Substance Over Supper to the By-Election?
As the Tongatapu 10 by-election on 13 July 2023 approaches, it’s clear that this race has become more of a marathon than a sprint. However, it’s not the usual flurry of campaign promises, public engagement, or policy debates that characterises this long-distance run. Instead, the campaign trail seems to be paved with food, food, and more food.
This by-election, occurring amidst the churches’ annual conference and school reunions, had a promising potential for high voter turnout and active citizen participation. However, instead of using this advantageous timing to debate key policy areas, the competing candidates seem to have turned the by-election into a buffet, with no clear leader in sight.
A worrying development within this electoral farce is the concerning lack of political discussion of any substance during the town hall meetings and kava-drinking sessions. One might have expected these forums to be bustling hubs of dialogue, offering voters the opportunity to scrutinise candidates’ plans for their community and the wider nation. Yet, these vital discussions are conspicuously absent.
The government recently presented the largest budget deficit in the nation’s history to Parliament, a critical issue that should have featured heavily in any election conversation. Yet, it has been neglected by the candidates. A scan of social media reveals a disturbingly quiet digital landscape, with no significant discourse on this vital economic issue.
This absence of any commentary on the budget is deeply problematic. Not only does it stifle informed public debate, but it also deprives voters of the opportunity to understand the potential impacts of the deficit on their lives. It denies them the chance to voice their concerns and expectations and leaves them without a clear sense of direction for their future.
Out of a sense of duty and curiosity, I contacted one of the candidates, hoping for a more comprehensive understanding of their stance on the budget and their broader policy plans.
This by-election, occurring amidst the churches’ annual conference and school reunions, had a promising potential for high voter turnout and active citizen participation. However, instead of using this advantageous timing to debate key policy areas, the competing candidates seem to have turned the by-election into a buffet, with no clear leader in sight.
A worrying development within this electoral farce is the concerning lack of political discussion of any substance during the town hall meetings and kava-drinking sessions. One might have expected these forums to be bustling hubs of dialogue, offering voters the opportunity to scrutinise candidates’ plans for their community and the wider nation. Yet, these vital discussions are conspicuously absent.
The government recently presented the largest budget deficit in the nation’s history to Parliament, a critical issue that should have featured heavily in any election conversation. Yet, it has been neglected by the candidates. A scan of social media reveals a disturbingly quiet digital landscape, with no significant discourse on this vital economic issue.
This absence of any commentary on the budget is deeply problematic. Not only does it stifle informed public debate, but it also deprives voters of the opportunity to understand the potential impacts of the deficit on their lives. It denies them the chance to voice their concerns and expectations and leaves them without a clear sense of direction for their future.
Out of a sense of duty and curiosity, I contacted one of the candidates, hoping for a more comprehensive understanding of their stance on the budget and their broader policy plans.
Unfortunately, as of yet, I have received no reply. This unresponsiveness only adds to the feeling of frustration and disconnect that has dominated this by-election.
An election is a critical moment in a nation’s democratic life cycle. It is a time for voters to engage with their political representatives, express their concerns, and shape their futures. But when candidates remain silent on crucial issues like the budget deficit, this democratic process is undermined.
We have seen food being used as a political tool in many previous elections, yet never quite as prominently as in this Tongatapu 10 by-election. It is a sad thing to witness such superficial tactics taking the place of substantive policy discussions.
As we inch closer to the election day, it is essential for the candidates to step up, shift focus from food to policy, and engage meaningfully with the electorate. Otherwise, we risk turning this crucial democratic event into a meaningless feast.
With the future of the Tongatapu 10 constituency hanging in the balance, the onus now falls on the candidates to make this by-election about more than just food. It’s about time they brought some meaty policies to the table.
An election is a critical moment in a nation’s democratic life cycle. It is a time for voters to engage with their political representatives, express their concerns, and shape their futures. But when candidates remain silent on crucial issues like the budget deficit, this democratic process is undermined.
We have seen food being used as a political tool in many previous elections, yet never quite as prominently as in this Tongatapu 10 by-election. It is a sad thing to witness such superficial tactics taking the place of substantive policy discussions.
As we inch closer to the election day, it is essential for the candidates to step up, shift focus from food to policy, and engage meaningfully with the electorate. Otherwise, we risk turning this crucial democratic event into a meaningless feast.
With the future of the Tongatapu 10 constituency hanging in the balance, the onus now falls on the candidates to make this by-election about more than just food. It’s about time they brought some meaty policies to the table.
